Physical Development and Health (Moving Parts of the Body)
An activity for young toddlers
Matrials
-roll of black paper -scissors -large table -masking tape -small paper plate -gallon of black paint -small bottle of white paint -silver glitter -brushes - book "Katie and the Starry Night" -painter's tape
Materials for modifiers -sponges
Modifiers
For an easier challenge: -Remove the brushes and let the children paint with their hands
For a harder challenge -Replace brushes with sponges
Follow-up Ideas
-You can use the same activity for a number of different themes. The students can paint the paper green and then make red thumbprints for ladybugs. They could also paint the paper blue and use green thumbprints as frogs or lily pads.
- Fill up an empty Pringles canister with scarves and cut a small hole in the lid. The children will pull the scarves out of the lid.
Originating Idea
We've actually done this project as a class, and it was a huge hit! Every child is an artist, and letting the children use their creativity in a physical way boosts both their imagination and their gross motor and fine motor skills. In addition, you encourage children to work together to fill the page with different stars, encouraging social development.
How to Make It
The teacher should cover the table with the black paper. She should cut the paper from the roll and tape it to the table with the masking tape. She should have the gallon of black paint and brushes on a nearby counter. She then pours the white paint on a small paper plate and pours the glitter in several bowls, and places all of them on the counter next to the black paint and brushes.
How to Implement It
While the teacher reads the story "Katie and the Starry Night" during circle time to the children, the teacher assistant should set up the activity. Once the teacher assistant is done and the book is finishes, the teacher should tell the children, "Today we are going to make our own starry night painting! Find a seat at the table!"
The students will then sit at the table, where the teacher and teacher's assistant will pass the brushes out. Then the teacher will pour the black paint over the paper and let the students spread the paint over the paper with their brushes. After a little bit of time, the teachers ask a student to help pass out the bowl of glitter. The students will either pour the glitter on the paper and spread it with their brushes or they will dip their brushes in the glitter and paint with it.
Once the entire paper is covered with glitter and paint, take the children one-by-one to make a "star" by dipping their thumb in white paint and gently pressing it against the paper. Then the student will go to the bathroom and wash their hands (and anything else that needs to be washed) and let have some free-choice time in the classroom. Once all the students are clean and participating in free choice time, the teachers should remove the paper from the table and hang the paper on the wall to dry with painter's tape. After the paint dries, the teacher can use the white paint to write "Starry, Starry Night" in the middle of the page. The teacher then can move the painting to the wall outside her classroom.